Spanish Phrases for Every Situation
Phrases are ready‑made chunks of language that help you communicate quickly and naturally. Our phrase guides cover different situations you’re likely to encounter when speaking Spanish. Each section includes audio so you can hear how the phrases sound.
Emergency Phrases
It’s important to know how to call for help in case of an emergency. Memorize these phrases and hope you never have to use them.
| Spanish | English | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| ¡Ayuda! | Help! | |
| Llama a la policía | Call the police | |
| Necesito un médico | I need a doctor | |
| Estoy perdido | I am lost | |
| Fuego | Fire |
Learning these emergency expressions can provide peace of mind when traveling or living abroad.
Greetings and Basic Courtesy Phrases
Starting off on the right foot in a conversation is important. Here are essential greetings and courtesy expressions, adapted from a list of travel phrases. Click the play button to hear each one.
| Spanish | English | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| hola | hello | |
| buenos días | good morning | |
| buenas tardes | good afternoon | |
| buenas noches | good evening/night | |
| adiós | goodbye | |
| por favor | please | |
| gracias | thank you | |
| de nada | you’re welcome |
Use these phrases to greet people and show courtesy. For instance, say “Hola, buenos días” when entering a café in the morning, or “Gracias” when someone helps you.
Restaurant & Dining Phrases
Enjoying meals in Spanish‑speaking countries becomes easier when you can order confidently. Use the following expressions to order, ask for the bill and more.
| Spanish | English | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Quisiera pedir… | I would like to order… | |
| La cuenta, por favor | The check, please | |
| ¿Tiene opciones vegetarianas? | Do you have vegetarian options? | |
| Está delicioso | It’s delicious | |
| ¿Qué me recomienda? | What do you recommend? |
Combine these phrases with food vocabulary to fully enjoy your dining experiences. For example: “Quisiera pedir pollo y una ensalada, por favor.”
Shopping Phrases
Whether you’re browsing a market or visiting a boutique, these phrases will help you interact with shopkeepers and find what you need.
| Spanish | English | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? | How much does this cost? | |
| ¿Acepta tarjetas de crédito? | Do you accept credit cards? | |
| ¿Tiene otra talla? | Do you have another size? | |
| ¿Puedo probarlo? | Can I try it on? | |
| Está demasiado caro | It’s too expensive |
Practice these phrases to shop like a local. Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices in markets where haggling is common.
Travel Phrases
Combine the vocabulary from our travel word list with these practical phrases to handle common situations. Listen and repeat each phrase to get comfortable speaking.
| Spanish | English | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Dónde está el baño? | Where is the bathroom? | |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? | |
| Necesito ayuda | I need help | |
| ¿Hablas inglés? | Do you speak English? | |
| Me gustaría reservar una habitación | I would like to reserve a room |
These phrases will help you ask for directions, make purchases and get assistance when traveling. Don't forget to say "por favor" and "gracias" to stay polite.